NJ State Police Lt. John Pizzuro, commander of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, shares tips to help parents steer their children away from cyber predators. STAFF VIDEO BY THOMAS P. COSTELLO
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MERRILL - A 67-year-old Stevens Point man is facing child sex trafficking charges after responding to a fake ad posted by police offering sex with a 15-year-old girl.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department called a news conference Friday about the arrest to issue a wake-up call for Wisconsin residents who don't view child predators as a local threat.

"This isn't just a big-city problem," Lincoln County Sheriff's Lt. Ken Schneider said in Merrill. "This is happening in all communities across most of the state. We don't want our children being involved in this."

Leo Joseph Pelot has been charged with trafficking of a child, attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement. A judge set a $100,000 cash bond for Pelot during his initial appearance Thursday.

According to the criminal complaint:

The sheriff's office posted the online ad on March 16 offering to make a deal for sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl. Pelot responded to the ad that day using a fake name and made contact with a detective pretending to be the girl's aunt. The two exchanged texts that show Pelot was making arrangements to pay for sex and have sex with the girl, who the "aunt" said was visiting from California.

Pelot met an undercover officer pretending to be the girl's aunt at a McDonald's in Merrill on March 20. He gave the officer $100 in exchange for a key to a hotel room where he believed the girl would be waiting. He was arrested upon entry.

Officials identified Pelot based on a photograph he provided in response to the ad and the car he drove to McDonald's.

During the news conference Friday, Schneider said Pelot is still being held in the county jail in Merrill. The public is not in any danger from him, he said.

Pelot is scheduled to appear in court next on March 27 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 85 years in prison.